Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: Trump Transition Support & Dismantling Federal DEI | 11.26.24 Release Date: November 26, 2024
Hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe, the Morning Wire episode delves into the robust support surrounding Donald Trump's presidential transition, his administration's plans to dismantle federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and the ongoing migrant deportation backlog in the United States. This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the episode.
1. Trump's Positive Transition and Broad Support
a. Overall Approval of Transition Georgia Howe opens the discussion by highlighting positive sentiments toward Trump's transition:
"Donald Trump is getting positive marks on his cabinet picks and for his handling of the presidential transition." [00:03]
John Bickley emphasizes a significant development in legal matters:
"Special counsel Jack Smith has dropped the January 6 prosecutions against the former president." [00:09]
b. Public Approval Ratings Cabot Phillips provides detailed statistics on Trump's approval:
"According to the latest numbers from CBS, a stunning 59% of Americans approve of his handling of the transition so far, compared to just 41% who disapprove." [01:59]
c. Support Among Young Voters The discussion moves to the unexpected backing from younger demographics:
"57% of voters under 30 say they are happy or satisfied with Trump winning... a whopping 65% of voters under 30 say they approve of Donald Trump's transition." [02:50]
This marks a historic level of support among young voters, comparable to Barack Obama's early presidency.
d. Cabinet Appointments Cabot highlights positive receptions of Trump's cabinet nominees:
"Americans are offering broad support for Trump's Cabinet as well. So far, leading the way is Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio. 44% say that's a good pick, compared to just 25% who say it's bad." [03:52]
Even controversial figures like RFK Jr. receive significant approval, especially among younger voters.
2. Dismantling Federal DEI Initiatives
a. Overview of DEI Rollback Plans Georgia Howe introduces the segment on DEI dismantling with insights from culture reporter Megan Bas:
"President Elect Trump has promised to dismantle DEI initiatives in the federal government. And new polling shows the public increasingly supports the idea." [10:18]
b. Specific Policies to Eliminate DEI Megan Bas elaborates on the administration's strategies:
"They are taking aim not just at training, but also gender and race based hiring and promotion quotas and grant making decisions as well. They say that all of these will now be merit based." [10:37]
A notable collaboration is mentioned:
"Trump is meeting with writer and documentary filmmaker Chris Rufo... presenting a plan to withhold federal funding any schools that engage in DEI practices." [10:37]
c. Public Opinion on DEI The podcast discusses the shifting landscape of DEI support:
"A just released Pew poll found that the number of American workers who say that DEI initiatives at work are a good thing is currently at 52%, down 4 points since February 2023." [11:55]
d. Legislative Moves to Abolish DEI Megan highlights legislative actions supporting the rollback:
"A bill titled the Dismantle DEI Act... if enacted, it will abolish DEI offices in all federal agencies and end any race based preferences for government contractors and grant applicants." [12:45]
Texas Congressman Michael Cloud advocates for the bill:
"DEI ideology simply does not work and only serves to divide our country... It is time for us to unwind this bureaucratic initiative and to restore a functioning government that does not give preference to race, sex, or any of these characteristics." [13:08]
3. Migrant Deportation Backlog
a. Current Situation Georgia Howe shifts focus to the ongoing issue of illegal immigration:
"The US is in the midst of a massive deportation backlog, meaning many illegal immigrants who shouldn't be here." [00:21]
Tim Pierce provides a deeper analysis:
"There are about 1.4 million migrants in the US today that have received formal deportation orders... indicating a lack of willingness to deport on behalf of the federal government." [06:25]
b. Local Governments' Role The podcast examines how local policies hinder deportations:
"New York City has rented out thousands of hotel rooms... taken over schools, gymnasiums, places of worship, sports fields, anywhere it can find space to shelter immigrants." [07:30]
A specific case illustrates the consequences:
"The program, which Jose Ibarra used to get to Georgia, resulted in the murder of Georgia nursing student Lakin Riley." [07:30]
c. Challenges Ahead for Trump's Administration John Bickley queries the feasibility of Trump's deportation promises:
"What can Americans reasonably expect out of that promise?" [08:37]
Tim Pierce sets realistic expectations:
"Trump's administration could probably deport somewhere between a third and one half of those 1.4 million." [08:47]
d. Responses to Potential Pushback The episode discusses anticipated resistance from officials:
"Mayor Mike Johnston said he would use Denver police to keep ICE agents out of the city." [08:47]
Cabot and Tim explore the community's willingness to oppose:
"I would certainly protest it. And I would expect other residents would do the same." [09:25]
Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, threatens legal actions against resistors:
"He is willing to arrest leaders like yourself for standing in the way of these policies." [09:30]
Conclusion
The Morning Wire episode underscores a strong and multifaceted support system for Donald Trump's impending administration, emphasizing high approval ratings, especially among younger voters, and favorable reception of his cabinet choices. Concurrently, the administration is poised to undertake a significant rollback of federal DEI initiatives, supported by shifting public opinion and legislative momentum. However, substantial challenges remain, particularly concerning the deportation of illegal immigrants, where local government policies and systemic delays present formidable obstacles. The episode paints a picture of a transition marked by both promising public support and complex policy battles ahead.
For those who missed the podcast, this summary encapsulates the critical discussions and perspectives shared by hosts John Bickley, Georgia Howe, and contributors Cabot Phillips, Tim Pierce, and Megan Bas, providing a clear overview of the current political climate surrounding the incoming Trump administration.